Do I Need a Facelift or a Neck Lift?
Some areas of our body age more noticeably than others. Wrinkles, lines, sagging skin, and other imperfections that affect the appearance of our face and neck can take a serious toll on our self-esteem. Premature aging of the face and neck can occur as a result of stress, gravity, environmental conditions, or natural aging. Plastic surgery can provide a safe and effective solution. However, it can be difficult for some patients to know which cosmetic procedure can provide the most helpful path to their specific aesthetic goals. Both facelift surgery and neck lift surgery can help patients achieve a rejuvenated, younger-looking appearance, but they do so in different ways. For patients who find themselves unsure when choosing between a facelift and a neck lift, I am happy to explain how both procedures can help.
Neck lift surgery, also known as lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed specifically to help rejuvenate the appearance of the neck and jawline. During a neck lift, I may use liposuction to remove excess fat from the neck area (especially for patients who experience a “double chin” or jowls). Sometimes I may remove excess skin and tighten the neck muscles to provide a more youthful look if needed. A neck lift can be the ideal choice for patients who wish to treat aging in their neck but are satisfied with the appearance of their upper face.
Despite its name, facelift surgery can also be very helpful for people who are concerned about the appearance of their neck. Excess fat, skin, tissue, and wrinkles on the neck, as well as the appearance of jowls, are common concerns among prospective facelift patients. This is why I focus on treating the neck as part of a facelift when this is a result the patient desires. In many cases, my patients are able to achieve the improved neck and jawline that they wanted without the need for additional neck lift surgery.
In the video below, I discuss my technique for performing facelift surgery and how it can help improve the appearance of the neck:
We may not be able to stop the aging process, but that doesn’t mean that you have to live with an appearance that you’re not happy with. If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your face or neck, or you are concerned about premature facial aging, the first step towards aesthetic improvement is scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself. For more information or to schedule your consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more plastic surgery tips, videos, news, and updates.